It's a million degrees outside, Jayden is making strawberry shortcake, we're watching Orange is the New Black, and I've just spent a day painting, painting and painting some more. Yesterday I got fantastic news that I'll share soon. Life is sweet.

I've been reflecting on the last year a lot. One year ago at this time I had recently finished the Brene Brown e-course, which transformed my life in so many ways. The one way that still resonates now is my creative expression. An art journal lead to discovering mixed media, to a renewed passion for scrapbooking, to the creation of this blog, to entering (and winning) many design challenges, to being on three design teams, to getting my work published for the first time.

Now it feels like I'm on the next step of this journey, taking Kelly Rae Robert's Mixed Media Mantras e-course. I feel awakened once again. I spent the last week writing my stories, peeling away the layers, and developing my mantras. During one of the exercises we thought of two people we admired and answered several questions before reflecting on our answers. Here's what I wrote in my journal: This was a challenging and revealing activity for me. I chose two folks – my dear friend and Brene Brown. I think they both have a lot in common, actually. Above all, I appreciate how they both encourage joyful, passionate, genuine, and heart centered living. It’s not a life without challenges, as both have weathered criticism, embraced imperfection, and shared their vulnerability. However, they both seem to live in the light, whatever shade that may be at the time. Thus, my mantra: Authenticity in a prism of light.

Today I started painting and could hardly stop. I spent hours on my (now sore) feet. It was worth it. I did the entire second section of the class, which focussed on the layering process. Before starting, I gave myself permission to unleash and be uninhibited. I'm always so restrained, worried about being messy and wasting materials, and thinking ahead. I wanted to let go.

Here's the scene when I first started painting my layers. I used my quilting table and repurposed on old vinyl tablecloth that I sewed years ago for our dining table. So many of the tools I use for scrapbooking have come in handy for mixed media painting, including my spray mists, inks, stamps, paper, and stencils.

Here's my stopping point for today. Layers, layers, layers. I have no idea what's next, but I am excited to see where this goes as I finish up the videos.